TURF NEWS AND NOTES CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1940, Page 3

TURF NEWS AND NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Prospects at Avondale Meeting (BY ‘-THE GRAFTER.") Most of the horses in the King George Handicap at the Avondale meeting on Saturday are without recent placed performances, and the issue appears open, The topweight, Golden Sheila, has run unplaced seven times (only once this season), since winning the Alison Cup at Ellerslie last November with 9.6, and whether she will retain her former good form remains to be seen. If she were to return to her best, she would be very dangerous. Mazir is another who has been out of form. The two races he has had this season have been beneficial, and the way he has been working suggests that he might make a successful come-back. When at his best previously he was capable of running a mile and aquarter very well.

After losing form for a period as a result of respiratory trouble, for which he has been operated upon, Valamito has been showing signs of recovering his dash, and at his last start he ran second over nine furlongs to Te Kawiti at Paeroa. In the meantime he has been working solidly and this may be his .opportunity to stage a return to the winning list- The dual Auckland Cup winner Cheval de Voice has also been racing below his best, and in his two starts this season has been well beaten. Possibly he may be in better order now, and he might display improvement, which will be necessary if he is to succeed. Rarotonga was second to Namara at Rotorua last month, but subsequently failed dismally at Cambridge. British Talent has won only one race, a hack event at Ellerslie in June, and Milanion has so far found open company beyond him. although on a heavy track he might be dangerous. "The Archer,’’ writing in the "New Zealand Herald,” states that the favourites may include

Valamito, Golden Sheila and Mazir. The Electric Handicap at Avondale has attracted a field of good sprinters. The topweight Arvakur was not thoroughly attuned when he failed twice at the recent spring meeting at Ellerslie, but he displayed sufficient dash to indicate that he might not be long in striking form. Pirate King ran two good races at Ellerslie last month, and slight improvement would give him an undeniable chance. Lornacre is capable of performing well, and may be dangerous if the track is good. Clinch would appeal more over a longer distance, although the long straight should assist him. Maxam is very fit. and should be able to make a forward showing. The three-year-old Marshall Hall won on the course with 7.10 in September, and now witn 84 is nicely i

placed. He did not do as well as expected in his last start, running unplaced in the Great Northern Guineas, but has a good opportunity to redeem his reputation. Improvement upon his running at Cambridge, where he was unplaced twice, will be necessary from Gr'andora if he is to succeed. However, he is a hardy customer, and is not without prospects, as the going at Cambridge might not have been to his liking. The three-year-old Gaymiss ran below expectations in her two races at the spring carnival at Ellerslie, but

she has since been sprinting well. She is undoubtedly very speedy and the chances are that she will be seen to more advantage on this occasion. LlandafT has been working nicely, and on a dry track may have to be seriously reckoned with. Tea Gong will be making his reappearance after a spell, and Noitaro may find the class a little difficult. Happicoat has been sprinting attractively, and should give a good account of herself. Lovaals has also been working well, but her three efforts in public this season have not been impressive. Some who may be in demand are Marshall Hall, Pirate King and Gaymiss.

Outstanding Filly. A leap from a Trial Stakes field to a contest of the quality of the Pearce Handicap, has seldom been attempted by a galloper in New Zealand. The successful accomplishment of this feat at Trentham by Belle Cane stamps her as a filly of outstanding merit. She has won all her races as a three-year-old. Sale of Mahmoud. A further addition to the sire line of Blandford has been secured by United States breeders by the purchase by a wealthy syndicate of the grey horse Mahmoud. Mahmoud, who won the Derby of 1936 in record time and a total of £15,026 in stakes, and is now seven years old, was retired to the Aga Khan’s stud at the Curragh at a fee of 300 guineas. His purchase price is £21,000. Blenheim was the first son of Blandford to cross the Atlantic, and he was followed some months ago by the Triple Crown winner. Bahram, who changed hands at £42.000. Blenheim is the sire of Mahmoud.

Round Up. Reaching Wellington from Australia recently. Round Up’ arrived back at Takanini with Orelio, who competed at the Wellington meeting. Orelio looks little the worse for his exertions, but Round Up does not look as robust as when he left. Round Up's form in Australia wgs not in keeping with his best.

Bronwen Not an Acceptor. Bronwen is not an acceptor in the Stewards’ Handicap on the first day of the Canterbury Jockey Club's metropolitan meeting on Saturday. She appeared in error in the Press Association list published on Tuesday. An Avondale Division. Divisions in the Trial Stakes nt the Avondale meeting on November 9 are: First Division.—King Louis, Kingcraft, Sealaw, Stratford. Mimax, Evan s Head. Bronze Ora, Landveyor Flylite. Hineiti, Golden Bonnet’ Marchby, Lady Bloater, Merrymeer’ Justina, Hinehou. Second Division.—Laughing Fox, Runanga. Sir General, Karatoki, Corot Fleuron, Moreke, Natal. Bournemouth Gay Movie, Foxola, Lady Pay. Marie's Choice, Court Favourite, Arohatoon. Brackets: Bournemouth and Hineiti, Gay Movie and Golden Bonnet, Foxola and Marchby, Lady Pay and Lady Bloater, Marie's Choice and Merrymeer, Court Favourite and Justina, Hinehou and Arohatoon.